Effects of Vitamin D on the Behaviours, Mental, and Physical Health of Prisoners

Launched by OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY · Feb 1, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how vitamin D (VD) supplements can affect the mental and physical health of prisoners. Researchers believe that many prisoners have low levels of vitamin D because they don’t get enough sunlight, which is the main way our bodies produce this vitamin. The study aims to see if taking vitamin D supplements can help improve mood, reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, and strengthen bone health. Participants will be divided into two groups: one that chooses to take the supplements and another that does not.

To join the study, participants must be long-term male residents of the prison, at least 18 years old, and able to understand English. During the trial, which lasts between 3 to 6 months, participants will complete questionnaires about their mental health and keep a food diary to track their diet. They will also provide saliva samples and have tests done to measure their vitamin D levels and bone density. This will help researchers understand if taking vitamin D supplements makes a difference in their health.

Gender

MALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Long-term Residents (with minimum 1 year)
• • Biological Male adults (+18)
• • Have been residents for minimum of 3 months
• • Understanding of the English language
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Short term Residents (\<1 year), residents at end of their sentence
• • Residents with conditions impacting nutrient absorption i.e. Crohn's disease/celiac disease
• • Residents already taking calcitriol (an active form of VD)
• • Any medical condition that would preclude a participant from taking VD supplements
• • Any medical condition which could interfere with VD metabolism